Manhasset Secondary School

Shyr, Caroline

Welcome

Welcome to the Manhasset High School

Orchestra Department!

Manhasset has been recognized as one of the country's Best Communities for Music Education for the tenth year in a row!

College admission boards have said time and time again, that students who stay in their high school music programs, such as the Manhasset High School Orchestra, all four years, have a great advantage for college admission over the typical students who have the same GPA. In addition, the statement above is true when comparing students who have taken the same number of AP (advanced placement) classes without being in a four year program like Orchestra. College admissions are actively looking for students who can show a four year commitment to a high school program. College admission boards know the chances of students participating in college campus life, activities and finishing college is much higher in music students than typical students who only take AP classes in high school and never show involvement in anything extra that high school has to offer.

The Manhasset Music Department encourages it’s students to take AP classes, however, what is most important to understand is that you do not need to take all AP classes and leave no room for orchestra if you are planning to go to a top tier college. Four years in Orchestra is weighted heavily in college board’s decision process so please consider these facts when planning your student’s four year school schedule. More of our music students are admitted to their first or second choice of college when compared to the average Manhasset student who does not participate in a four year program such as instrumental music.

What are colleges looking for?

“Taking music elective courses is a better indicator that a student will stay in college than high SAT scores or high GPA.” – Dr. Denise C. Gardner, Effect of Music Courses On Retention, Georgia Tech, 2000.

"Passionate involvement in a few in- or out-of-school activities. Commitment and depth are valued over minimal involvement in a large number of activities." - Money Magazine. (What College Want in Your Application)

"An ability to work well in groups. Some 73 per cent of university admissions officers have said they look for evidence of an ability to work well in groups, so if you are part of a sports team, committee, club or any other group where you work with others, include this in your application to show that you are a good team player." - The World University Rankings (Top 7 Qualities Universities Look for in Student Applications)

What are the benefits of performing in Orchestra/a music performing group?

facilitates learning other subjects and enhances other skills

helps enhance language development

increased IQ

larger growth of neural activity (brain works harder!)

increased spatial intelligence

improved test scores

"Music can improve your child’ abilities in learning and other nonmusic tasks, but it’s important to understand that music does not make one smarter. The many intrinsic benefits to music education include being disciplined, learning a skill, being part of the music world, managing performance, being part of something you can be proud of, and even struggling with a less than perfect teacher..."

“Music makes...kids interesting and happy, and smart will come later. It enriches his or her appetite for things that bring you pleasure and for the friends you meet.”While parents may hope that enrolling their child in a music program will make her a better student, the primary reasons to provide your child with a musical education should be to help them become more musical, to appreciate all aspects of music, and to respect the process of learning an instrument or learning to sing, which is valuable on its own merit.

“There is a massive benefit from being musical that we don’t understand, but it’s individual. Music is for music’s sake,..The benefit of music education...is about being musical. It gives you have a better understanding of yourself. The horizons are higher when you are involved in music. Your understanding of art and the world, and how you can think and express yourself, are enhanced.”